Queen's Commonwealth Canopy leaves its mark at Manor Farm

Posted by Caroline Flint9pc on November 18, 2018

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint joined Yorkshire Wildlife Trust staff and apprentices to plant some new saplings and to tour the Manor Farm site, also known as Warren Park, that is now managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The MP planted two rowan trees and one hazel, assisted by the Trust’s Wildlife Assistant, Katie Baker, in a freshly prepared area that surrounds a newly created lake, close to Back Wood, one of two ancient woodlands on the site.

Said Caroline: “It was wonderful to join the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust staff to plant trees as part of the Queens Commonwealth Canopy; and to see how the land around the Warren Park estate has been improved. The ancient woodlands have been protected; and will now be actively managed by the Trust, as part of 35 hectares, and developed with residents and volunteers to promote wildlife and diversity. I cannot think of better guardians for this enormous and diverse site.”

“The final site will include woodland, lakes, reed beds, parkland and new hedgerows. This project is only going to get better and I hope residents embrace it and join the regular activities on site.”

Said the Trust Chief Executive Rob Stoneman: “I was delighted that Caroline could see the fantastic work by our staff, residents and volunteers at this ground-breaking project. Caroline has championed environmental causes for 20 years in the Don Valley constituency, and I know she want to stay close to the Manor Farm project as every new stage unfolds.”

The Manor Farm site, which contains Persimmon’s Warren Park development, is 75 hectares (185 acres) in size. 35 hectares are set aside for woodland and wildlife conservation, under the management of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The new Warren Park development in Bessacarr will eventually include 900 homes, and will include a village centre, shops, school and a retirement community, all surrounded on three sides by the woodland and wildlife conservation area.

To find out more or volunteer with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at Manor Farm, please contact Katie Baker, YWT People and Wildlife Assistant on 01302 365995 or katie.baker@ywt.org.uk